Definition of a Tech Lead

Good summary of a “tech lead” by James McGovern:

If you are in this role and want to live up to your title, then you need the following skills:

• Accountable - The buck stops here, someone who can shoulder the responsibility without pointing fingers at others.

• Adaptable - Life changes fast, if can’t change with the times, you’ll be left behind.

• Approachable - their team can ask them questions and talk to them.

• Attentive - they actually listen to their team and understand them.

• Aware - they’re aware of what is going on around them instead of sticking their head in the sand.

• Can type - No hen peck typists need apply in this industry.

• Charismatic - People have got to want to listen to you.

• Communicative - You’ve got to want to communicate with your team.

• Competent - You’ve gotta know your stuff.

• Confident - If you’re not confident in yourself, how is anyone else going to be?

• Decisive - can make decisions themselves and be accountable for them.

• Driven - You’ve gotta see the goal and go right after it.

• Focused - You’ve gotta have the staying power to keep going and reach the goal.

• Inspirational - this is the most important one for me! If you can’t inspire people, what are you doing?

• Meticulous - The truth is in the details.

• Nurturing - The test of a good teacher is when their students surpass them.

• Resourceful - You’ve gotta be able to find the answers to the things you don’t know.

• Technically minded - In this industry at least.

• Understanding - If your team don’t think you understand them, they won’t bother trying to understand you.

As a leader, it’s your delegates that help build your success. Treat them like gold, and they will do the same for you. One non-programmer that can inspire 10 “average” programmers to greatness is worth more than one great programmer who can’t inspire their team to do more than meet their job requirements…